Exchange your food scraps for compost: an easy way to help our environment
HOMEWOOD, IL- “I think people will be surprised to see how easy and rewarding composting can be!” says Edie Dobrez, Executive Director of the Homewood Science Center. Composting ones’ food scraps keeps them out of the regular garbage...
Geothermal systems bring smaller footprint to scalable, renewable energy
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois advances towards its goal of converting all energy systems to 100% renewable energy by 2050, it recognizes that other energy sources besides solar and wind are necessary to reach the state’s future demands.
Geothermal energy could be the key to replacing...
Educator Duane Friend honored for 30 years of soil, water conservation
URBANA, Ill. – When Duane Friend shows up to an event towing what looks like an oversized sandbox, he’s hard to miss. Over 30 years, more than 35,000 children have jostled for the best view of “river” water carving through the display as Friend describes...
Summer blooms simplify warm-season grass identification
URBANA, Ill. – Most people can identify a few different trees by their leaves or flowers in bloom, but grasses are a different story. Grasses provided food and shelter for wildlife and are key to a healthy ecosystem.
Learn to identify the wide variety of Illinois warm-season grasses in a...
Keep an eye out for invasive jumping worms in the garden
URBANA, Ill. – After a long winter, Illinois gardeners are eager for the new growing season. While doing the usual preparations and tasks, home gardeners should be aware of an invasive species wriggling across the Midwest – the jumping worm.
Jumping worms are non-native earthworms that...
Country ponds need help to stay healthy, beautiful
URBANA, Ill. – Owning a lush and scenic country pond is a point of pride for many rural landowners, but over time ponds need a hand to stay clean and healthy.
“Good management can slow or stop harmful changes like a buildup of surface algae or a decrease in fish so you can use and enjoy...
